9y
Thank you for your thoughts, kind words, and the point you make at the end around giving team members a 2nd chance. I think here at Health Catalyst, earlier on in our history more so than now, we collectively tended to let some performance situations occur longer than perhaps they should have. We have improved in this area, as demonstrated by the increase in our involuntary turnover rates over time, but I think we have improved for the right reasons. As all of you know, we here at Health Catalyst believe that when a job-fit issue is identified, we should move quickly to rectify the situation, first by moving an individual into a more appropriate role, or if not possible, then helping that team member to transition to their next role outside of the company. We also take the stance that, regardless of the specifics, we (Catalyst) always have some culpability in the fact that things haven't worked out, and so therefore we will always offer a generous "off-ramp" to assist the team member with the transition.
I will concede, however, that sometimes the application of the principle above has varied (particularly historically) in certain cases, and sometimes other team members have needed to deal with the challenge of a team member that may no longer be a fit for longer than they should need to. However there is a trade off element here, and I think that, while we are better at institutionalizing the perspective above, and executing against it more proactively and efficiently, we will always try to err on the side of the team member. We will always give a second chance, because we all make mistakes and deserve the chance to make it right. I would rather stay further on this side of the trade off, than err to letting people go more quickly, if for no other reason than the literally dozens of case examples I can point to within Catalyst where a person was in a role that was't a great fit, they were struggling, and we took the time to help them find their space, and they are now killing it, doing something they love and contributing at an impressive and meaningful level. Every single person, no matter the role, has intrinsic, great worth. Every. Single. Person. We will always try to treat people with the respect that they deserve, regardless of the challenge or situation.
Didn't mean to get on a soap box here, and I think you generally agree with me based on your comment above, but felt it important to share our philosophy around this important issue. Thanks so much for all that you do for our company, and for taking time to post!!
